Snow Plough backend.

I have the Snow Plow backend running on vps.snowscraper.ca that will do the heavy lifting of scraping sites. Especially those with dynamically generated content. The cpu / memory requirements for such pages are beyond the pi zero 2's capabilities. It will also allow for me to collaborate all the scraped data from the resorts to create interesting charts and statistics, such as: all resort bases among other neat metrics in the future. As well, it will also allow for a centralized database of all the resorts data so that if they change their website structure I can easily update it on there and all the snow scrapers will have access to the correct data.

Snow Scraper Instagram account: @snowscrapr

 I've created an instagram account for the Snow Scraper. I will be posting the latest updates on there. I have also been using Sora 2 to create funny and interesting Snow Scraper "ads", its been a blast. 

You can follow here if your interested: @snowscrapr

Instructables guide

I have completed the first draft of the instructables build guide for the project. I have been working very hard to make it as concise, easy to follow, and fun as possible. I have made build images for all the steps using real photo's adapted by googles nano banana AI software to have them look like they are from the tinker gnomes workshop. I think they look great and definitely make it a more interesting and fun experience. I have built several prototypes tweaking the guide a bit each time to make sure I didn't leave anything out. I even helped my 9 year old son through all the steps to build his own. He did great and he's proud of his accomplishments and proves that even a kid can build the project with a bit of assistance!

The guide is currently under review by instructables but I expect it to be available shortly at: http://www.instructables.com/Snow-Scraper

I look forward to hearing peoples questions and seeing any they create themselves. You can send any pictures or questions to the new email contact for the project at info@snowscraper.ca

www.snowscraper.ca website created

I managed to secure the snowscraper.ca domain and have built a website around it. I am really happy with how it turned out. It took quite a few revisions to get it rendering nicely on both desktop and mobile but I think its ready to be released to the public. It connects all the different aspects of this project in one easily accessible place. This will remain the behind the scenes place to find all development updates, but the website will be for the general public who are interested in it but maybe not all the nerdy details. You can check it out at www.snowscraper.ca

Update 3D Model to Support the Touch Screen

I have toiled over getting the model just right to accommodate the parts and look decent. It took nearly 25 revisions but I think its at a point I can release it to the public. I have built a few now using this enclosure and it works well. It is separated into three separate parts: main enclosure, orb holder, and base to facilitate printing and is easy to assemble. You can download the .stl file at printables.com to try it out for yourself. 

On a side note, I have built several prototypes and am refining my instructables guide with each revision to make sure I did not miss any important details. I hope to release that soon as well. Until next time, stay stoked!

Version 2.0.0 Released

It's been a while since I've uploaded a new post, but let me assure you I have been working hard behind the scenes on the Snow Scraper. I have created an entirely new design that includes a touchscreen GUI, powder alarm functionality, and the framework for avalanche conditions. I have uploaded the latest code to github: Snow Scraper v2.0.0 and I am working on finalizing the 3D model for the enclosure. I want to be sure I've got it just right before I release it. I have a lot of things still planned before I release the completed project to the public. I plan on doing that at my local craft fair in Heffley Creek in early December and after that I will have an online store for people who are interested in purchasing one themselves. I have also been working away on the instructables guide which will provide a detailed step-by-step instruction on how to build your own.

In addition I have created a Instagram account for the project @snowscrapr so be sure to follow that if your interested in updates.

Until next time, stay stoked!

Snow Scraper GUI Progress

I have made significant progress on the touchscreen GUI interface. So far I have the splash logo, main menu, resort selection screen, Wi-Fi configuration screen (with onscreen keyboard) working. Here are a couple screen shots:

I am working on finishing up the actual resort snowfall display screen but here is the current prototype I am working on:

Its been a lot of work but I am really happy with the progress that's been made so far. I think it makes for much more interesting display and the touchscreen is a way better way to interact with device.